DALTON, Ga. — The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners plans to open up the county’s 911 emergency medical service for bids for the first time in almost a decade and those interested in making a proposal to operate the service have been invited to make presentations on Wednesday.

The presentations are closed to the public.

County Administrator Mark Gibson said he, Emergency Management Agency Director Claude Craig and Fire Chief Edward O’Brien will hear the presentations.

“We’ll allow an hour for companies to present information about the company, where they provide service, etc.,” said Gibson.

Commissioners voted last year to renew Hamilton Health Care System’s contract to operate the EMS through 2018. But commissioners said they want to have a full request for proposals, something the county has not had since 2009. Hamilton has had the contract for 32 years.

Hamilton receives $300,000 a year, and $70,000 every other year to cover half the cost of a new ambulance.

Commissioners said that putting the service up for bids does not mean they are unhappy with Hamilton.

“I think that periodically all services should be put up for bids again, just to make sure we are getting the best value for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Barry Robbins.

Commissioner Greg Jones agreed.

“This isn’t about Hamilton,” he said. “We just need to make sure we are getting the best deal for taxpayers.”

Officials at Hamilton said they plan to bid on the service again.

“We are planning to participate and are happy to provide a presentation in response to the Board of Commissioners’ request,” said Sandy McKenzie, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Hamilton EMS has consistently provided excellent service to those in this area. We continue to meet all the requirements of the existing agreement and maintain a very good working relationship with the 911 center and fire and police departments in both the county and city.”